Strategies and framework for achieving environmental sustainability in the retail food supply chain: food loss and waste management

Food loss and waste (FLW) pose a significant impediment to environmentally sustainable development, impacting waste management, climate change, and food security. A substantial proportion of global food production, approximately one-third, is lost or wasted. FLW within retail supply chains is a critical concern, necessitating innovative strategies to mitigate its considerable economic, social, and environmental ramifications. Employing efficient operational and inventory management techniques to reduce food loss and waste (FLW) can yield considerable cost savings and enhance the economic and environmental sustainability of the retail supply chain. Addressing FLW comprehensively necessitates a novel framework encompassing all aspects of transportation, packaging, and management protocols. This article critically assesses empirical studies from 2009 to 2025 to identify key research gaps and propose strategies for mitigating FLW. The study identifies three primary deficiencies: inadequate focus on food loss and waste (FLW) stemming from ineffective packaging, limited understanding of logistical inefficiencies contributing to FLW, and a lack of research concerning the impact of management practices on perishable food supply chains. Addressing these gaps, the study aims to enhance awareness of FLW mitigation strategies, emphasizing the importance of collaborative supply chain efforts and integrated methodologies. This study investigates strategies for improving operational performance via food loss and waste (FLW) reduction and the establishment of sustainable waste management systems, examining the impacts of packaging, transportation, and management practices. Findings underscore the necessity of proactive and innovative approaches from both public and private entities in minimizing FLW. Effective FLW reduction methods can lead to a more sustainable and efficient food supply chain, yielding significant positive environmental, social, and economic consequences.